UDHAMPUR: A two-day Capacity Building Programme on "Plant Clinic Approach, Farmer Advisory and Digital Advisory Tools" concluded today at the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office, Udhampur. Held on 30 and 31 July 2026, it was jointly organised by the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare with CABI International under the PlantwisePlus initiative.

Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs) Jammu Sanjay Anand was the Chief Guest. Among those present were Chief Agriculture Officer Udhampur Vikas Padha, SMS-RL Ashwani Kumar, CABI Crop Health Advisor Dr Manju Thakur, District and Extension Officers, Krishi Udyamis, Agro Dealers and other stakeholders. Technical sessions were conducted by Arun Khajuria (SMS Resource Person), Rajeev Singh, Manmohan Sharma, Shishupal Bomatora, Vikal Gupta, Dr Vandana Bhau and Dr Monika Pathania.

The programme sought to strengthen the technical and advisory skills of Extension Officers, Krishi Udyamis and Agro Dealers through the Plant Clinic Approach, scientific crop diagnosis, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and digital advisory tools. Participants were trained on early pest and disease diagnosis, plant health advisory and digital platforms for knowledge sharing and decision-making.

Sanjay Anand called for strengthening e-Plant Health Clinics, promoting IPM and building the capacities of Krishi Udyamis for better extension services and employment generation. He informed that nearly 2,000 hectares in Udhampur are under organic farming and sought the development of Katwalta, Chenani, Latti and Dudu as model areas for organic and IPM-based agriculture.

Vikas Padha highlighted the role of continuous capacity building in equipping field functionaries with scientific knowledge and digital tools, while Dr Manju Thakur underlined the significance of the PlantwisePlus initiative in strengthening plant health services and reducing pesticide risks.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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